As the New Years celebrations wane, it is time to start thinking about taxes once again. If the amount you owe isn’t what you’d like it to be, remember that home ownership carrys a significant tax deduction. Under federal law, homeowners can deduct the interest they pay on their mortgage loan. For many, this means saving thousands. For those individuals who rent, it may ofset the difference between the cost of renting and the cost of owning their own home. If you’d like more informational on the benefits of homeownership or details on how you can save money on your taxes, please contact me at suzanne@properties-unlimited.com.

Sturgis Main Street is changing and tonight’s Chamber Mixer focuses on just that! Tonight, the mixer is a traveling one. Beginning at at Tony Hill’s Custom Woodworking at 5pm, the mixer will see examples of the extraordinary craftsmanship Tony has on display. The group will then travel to My Sister’s Closet, to learn how all of the proceeds of the store go to support the Arts Center. Finally, the mixer will end their tour of the 1100 block of historic Sturgis Main Street at the Sturgis Center for the Arts. There will be live music and art displays to enjoy, as well as refreshments by Sturgis Coffee Co., Nordic Woods Construction, and Main Street Junction Salon. Come tongiht to see how new businesses are rejuvenating our downtown!

This is truly the best time to be a buyer! Here is another great home in Vernon Heights. Its list price almost gaurantee built-in equity. This is a must see for many with its the main level living floorplan. If you are looking for brand new without the hassle of building, this is your home. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, kithchen, dining, living, and laundry all on the main level. Perched atop of Vernon Heights, this home enjoys fabulous views of the city of Strugis and the beautiful Black Hills from every window. An unfished walk-out basement will reduce the amount you pay in property tax until you are ready to create a space designed with you in mind!

Now offered at $194,900.

Contact Suzanne at 347.1488 or Dixie at 347.1289 to schedule a showing!

This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhome is truly luxury living. If upgrades are what you’re looking for, this home has it all - granite countertops,  hardwood floors, marble floors, instant hot water, under cabinet lighting, kitchen island with bar seating, crown molding, vaulted ceilings, gas fireplace, walk-in cedar closet for linens, oversized garage, covered deck, and many more. An untraviolet light air purifying system by Second Wind makes this home a sanctuary for anyone with allegries. Enjoy maintence-free living by never moving the grass or exterior painting again. Set in Sturgis’ newest high-end neighborhood, this home enjoys beautiful views of the city of Sturgis and the Black Hills, as well as the privacy of bordering designated green space.

Currently being offered for only $264,900, this home is most definitely worth a look. Contact Dixie at 347.1289 to schedule your own private tour.

Statistically, most of us have abandoned our new year’s resolutions by now.  The most common new year’s resolutions pertain to health, financial, or relationship issues. In today’s state of economic transition, resolutions pertaining to finance couldn’t seem anymore fitting. Below are a couple new year’s resolutions from Inman News that will help you build your credit and most the most of home ownership.

1. Pay your bills on time.
2. Save your change.
3. Contribute the maximum to your retirement plan.
4. Resist the temptation to use your 401(k) or IRA as a piggy bank.
5. Consider refinancing or a loan modification when interest rates drop or your credit improves.
6. Keep up with your home maintenance.

Check out the full article to see how to make these steps a part of your life and why you will be so glad you did!

Today, Americans enjoy something that is unheard of in many places around the world - a peaceful transfer of power. At noon, Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States. For so many, Obama and his newly appointed administration have created hope and an energy to change the status quo for the better. With his presidency, he ushers a in a brighter era in American history, an era that he describes in his own words as one that “will define a generation.” And today, I am more proud than I have ever been to be an American.

As most people enjoy a day off work, it is important to remember the real reason for this holiday - a national day of service. With the inaguration of President Obama, this year the holiday seems more fitting than ever. Martin Luther King Jr., like many others before him and more since, dedicated his life to making the world a better place. Although it seems like a lofty goal, all of us can do the same in our own back yards. Join the BigBrother/BigSister program, volunteer for Meals on Wheels, make a donation to your local food bank. The volunteer possibilities are endless and so are the rewards.

Be the change you want to see in the world.

Mohandas Gandhi

As Black Hills residents, I would venture to say that all of us from time to time have things pop up in our very own back yards that surprise and delight us. Just last Friday, I had that experience at Summerset Bistro. A classic case of ‘you can’t judge a book by its cover’, Summerset Bistro is located off of I-90’s Summerset Exit 48, in a one-story strip mall that is also home to a car dealership. Inside, the decor is modern and the menu is fantastic. Daily drink and dessert specials make sure you start and end your meal just how you’d like to. But I’m not the only one that have discovered this gem, KOTA Territory News was singing Sumerset Bistro’s praises back in July. Check out the article here. Either way, make tonight something special and enjoy a meal at Summerset Bistro!

If your plans for the new year include a new home, you need to take a look at this one! New construction, this custom home is located in Sturgis newest neighborhood enjoying beautiful views of the city and the Black Hills. Crown molding, recessed lighting, hardwood floors, and built-ins are just some of the upgrades this home has to offer. The open floor plan allows for main level living with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, kitchen , living, dining, and laundry all on one level.

2571 Camaro Drive, Sturgis

Offered at $206,900

As we begin 2009, it hard to forget that 2008 was one of the most difficult years in real estate for many people across the country. Here in South Dakota , we have been lucky to see only a fraction of the number of foreclosures that some markets elsewhere have been plagued with. Still, South Dakota ’s Homeownership Education and Research Organization (HERO) is looking for ways to help residents that find themselves in this unfortunate situation and in doing so, has recently announced a toll-free helpline to connect homeowners directly to certified default and foreclosure counselors across the state.

This hotline is aimmed at helping individuals in nearly every step of the foreclosure process. Those who have not yet fallen behind, but fear they will, those who have already missed a payment, and those who have received notice of foreclosure and facing the consequences.  By calling this hotline, homeowners will be able to speak with counselors providing free confidential services and plan the best way out of a foreclosure situation.

Western South Dakota residents can call 1-877-832-0161, while Eastern South Dakota residents can call 1-877-832-0163. Oftentimes, the best possible solutions can only be reached before you miss a payment, so take advantage of these free services early and call if your mortgage might be in trouble.